Category: Holistic Pet Wellness

Lawn chemicals. To some, these words conjure up images of lush green lawns to lust over. To many of us those words conjure up images of sick pets and children.

We all know that lawn chemicals can cause more harm than good to both our environment AND our pets. One breed in particular has been studied more than many, looking at the damage that lawn chemicals can have. Scottish terriers are 16 times more likely to develop transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, and research is suggesting that the exposure to herbicides and insecticides is having a dramatic influence on this increase.1

How and why do these chemical affect our dogs? As we all know, our dogs are all inherent hunters. Some of them hunt ants on the sidewalk, while others track moles under the earth in our yards. The routes in which these chemicals enter a dog’s body are ingestion, inhalation, and transdermal exposures. Our dogs walk through our neighbors’ lawns and come home to sit on the couch and lick their paws. They are intent on smelling where that rabbit hopped off to, and inhale deeply. And, even if you are not using these chemicals, it is well known that they can travel in the wind over 50 feet into your lawn. Wind speed is a warning on the application guidelines for herbicides, but this may be unknown to many who apply them.

Keep you dogs safe this spring/summer by avoiding lawns that have been treated and by being overly cautious about wiping off noses, paws, toes, and tails that have been possibly exposed with a damp towel.

Studies find that dogs exposed toherbicide-treated lawns and gardens can double their chance of developing canine lymphoma and may increase the risk of bladder cancer in certain breeds by four to seven times.

Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides: 16 are toxic to birds, 24 are toxic to fish and aquatic oganisms, and 11 are deadly to bees.

Pesticides can be toxic to wildlife and cause food source contamination, behavioral abnormalities that interfere with survival, and death.

Lawn and garden pesticides are deadly to non-target species and can harm beneficial insects and soilmicroorganisms essential to a naturally healthy lawn.

If you’re like many pet owners, you go into a pet store and stare at the stacks of pet foods and wonder where to even start. You then take a closer look at the packaging and sift through bags of product that boast “all natural ingredients,” “complete nutrition,” “prime cuts of meat,” and so on. While this all sounds like exactly the thing your dog or cat would love, that cryptic list of ingredients on the back probably leaves you feeling less than confident in the product. Here are some essential pieces of information you’ll need to get you and your best buddy on your way.

The best place to shop is at your locally owned pet supply store. The store owners and their employees tend to have a closer relationship with the supplier/food rep, which means a well-educated staff to offer you the best choices for your pet. Local pet supply stores also have the best selection of the quality foods your pet needs that aren’t even available through pet store chains and grocery stores. The best pet food companies are very particular about who sells their product. They want their product well represented by people that are able to educate the consumer.

Start by looking for companies that use human-grade foods that are sourced in the United States. More often than not, dog/cat foods are made of the “left-overs” or the by-products of the human food industry and labeled as unfit for human consumption. What this means is contamination. Grains are littered with molds, mites, and other insects, while meats or animal by-products carry infection and disease. There are far fewer guidelines and restrictions in the pet food industry than in our own. The AFFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) establishes nutritional standards and leaves it up to the pet food companies to be responsible and formulate products according to these standards. However, the AAFCO does not regulate, test, approve, or certify any of these pet foods in any way.

Next, search for a food that is made of ingredients that are appropriate for your carnivore. Accept nothing less than whole meats and vegetables, without grains like corn and wheat (fillers that have no place in your pets diet). Always be on the lookout for other unacceptable ingredients found in your pet’s foods, including artificial dyes, corn syrups and sugar, preservatives like BHA/BHT and ethoxyquin, and propylene glycol (yes, this is found in anti-freeze AND Purina’s Beneful).

So what happens to dogs and cats that are fed these poor quality “foods”? Because dogs and cats are fed the same food day in and day out, their diet does not vary and they are regularly exposed to high amounts of food contamination on a daily basis, which makes them more likely to suffer life-long ailments and disease. This includes things like food allergies from grain proteins (symptoms include dry itchy skin, excessive scratching and licking, chronic skin and ear infections, diarrhea, and hot spots), liver and kidney disease, as well as a variety of cancers.

I know what you’re thinking. “Those higher quality foods probably cost more, right?” While you may pay a bit less for a bag of Purina or Iams, you can be sure that you’ll more than make up for the difference in vet bills, steroid shots, medications, medicated shampoos, and the silent suffering of your beloved pet. Feed your pet a diet of junky grains, additives, and diseased meat by-products, and that’s exactly what your best friend will get…a lot of junk (itchy skin, allergies, skin and ear infections) and disease (cancer, liver disease, tumors). When food is concerned, that old adage rings true: you get what you pay for.

Five Nutritional Supplements for Your Dog Supplements are beneficial for dogs to live a long and happy life. In today’s world there are numerous varieties of supplements to choose from. So how do you know if you are giving your dog the right supplements? Simplifying the wide array of products, there are five essential categories of supplements that every dg should be taking no matter what their life stage.

► A Multivitamin/Mineral

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that your dog’s body requires to achieve optimal wellness and provide nutritional support. Vitamins and minerals found in supplements cannot be manufactured by the body, giving them crucial role to play in maintaining the health of your dog.

► Fish Oil

Fish oils are in important source of omega 3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA. These “good fats” are beneficial because they not only make your dog’s skin and coat shine but also help to strengthen the immune system, nervous system, and keep blood flowing through the heart. It has also been shown that fish oil can help reduce inflammation in the joints. The most common fish oil comes from salmon but pollack, anchovy, and sardine varieties are available.

► Probiotics

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines and help to control yeast and harmful bacteria. Even though probiotics can be found in the intestines, it is still a good idea to provide added probiotics. Probiotics help improve your dog’s digestion and intestinal health. Think of dogs taking probiotics for the same reason that humans eat yogurt.

► Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are needed to help further break down your dog’s food and other supplements, such as fish oil. This is necessary so the maximum amount of nutrients can be absorbed and utilized for proper digestion.

► Glucosamine/Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are like lubrication for your dog’s joints. They help the joint cartilage maintain a higher water content, allowing it to have an absorbing quality similar to that of a wet sponge. Joint cartilage lacking in glucosamine and chondroitin tends to become brittle like that of a dry sponge, and the chance of arthritis increases. It’s never too late to provide the best for your dog. Pet Food Plus offers an array of supplements to fit the needs of most dogs. Stop in to the store today to speak with our knowledgeable staff to find THE right supplements to fit your dog.

Spring and Summer is such a great time to have a dog! Who doesn’t love running around outside with your best friend, throwing the ball or a Frisbee; fishing with a wonderful companion; or enjoying a hike through the woods, as your dog explores the underbrush around you? Just remember, that as great as summer is, there can be hidden dangers to your pet, as well. Dogs have a harder time dealing with heat than we humans.

Remember, they wear fur coats 24/7! And dogs can only cool themselves off by panting and some sweating of the pads. The best time to exercise with your dog is early morning, or in the evening, when the heat and humidity are lowest. This is especially important for the brachycephalic (smushy-faced) breeds like pugs or bulldogs, because their short noses can sometimes mean it is harder to pant. If you do need to be out in the hottest part of the day, make sure your pet has plenty of water and access to shade. We need to also remember that pavement can get extremely hot, and dogs don’t wear shoes. The pavement that is “hot enough to fry an egg” can burn the pads of your dog’s foot quickly. And, as always, do not leave your dog in the car during the summer. In fact, on a sunny 70 degree day, your car can heat up to over 100 degrees within minutes!

While swimming or boating with your pet, make sure they can swim or are wearing a life jacket. Most dogs love the water and are natural swimmers but not all of them! Clean your dog’s ears regularly after swimming, to avoid infections. Even our backyards can be dangerous at times. Many lawns are treated with fertilizers and pesticides during the summer, and dogs will walk on there and then lick their feet, ingesting these possibly toxic chemicals. Pool-owners, keep pool covers firmly in place,and make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladders are located. Our grills can also be a source of concern. Does your dog long to lick the drip pan? Barbecue scraps and fatty leftovers can give your pup pancreatitis, causing severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Corn cobs and peach pits are also a huge no-no because they can lodge in a dog’s intestines. Lastly, every night after spending all these wonderful days together, be sure to inspect your pet for ticks. The deer tick can be very small—so look closely! Talk to your veterinarian to decide what the best tick-prevention product is for you, and for your best friend!

Dr. Erin Weiss is a mobile small animal veterinarian, who owns and operates Voyaging Vet and Tech Services with her partner, Patrice Anderson, CVT. Voyaging Vet & Tech Services is a housecall only veterinary practice, specializing in wellness exams, vaccines, medical services, hospice care and home euthanasia. Dr. Erin lives on a hobby farm in Plum City, with her husband, 2 sons, her dog, and chickens.

You may think it’s too early to be talking about tick prevention, but for Wisconsonites, ticks and tick-borne diseases are never far from a dog owner’s mind. It is estimated by the CDC that up to 53 percent of all dogs who live in areas of our state (Northern and Western) where Lyme disease is most prevalent could be infected. Ideally, it is much easier to prevent a tick bite than to have to treat the disease once transmitted. There are a myriad of products sold over the counter to repel ticks and fleas, but those of us who would rather not put a deadly chemical on our beloved pets are always looking for natural alternatives. Essential oils (EO) are ideal an ideal solution.

EO may be applied by spritzing your pet or by directly applying a diluted oil to their fur. First, be sure that you are using therapeutic-grade pure essential oils, and when using on your pet, always dilute at a ratio of 2 to 3 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil (olive, coconut, jojoba, almond).

There are several oils that have been proven to repel ticks (and fleas) and can be used on humans, dogs, and horses. Most, however, cannot be used on cats. These oils are rose or rosewood, geranium, peppermint, grapefruit, myrrh, pennyroyal, and Palo Santo (a Young Living EO blend). Also, peppermint oil (undiluted) can be used to force a tick to release without leaving the head in your pet.

If your pet is unfortunate enough to contract Lyme disease, your veterinarian will undoubtedly want to oversee the pet’s treatment with antibiotics, which is the only known cure. However, you can facilitate your pet’s recovery with oregano and peppermint oils, both of which contain anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Just place a couple of diluted drops of either or both on your dog’s ears and inside the pads of their feet.

And remember to learn the symptoms of Lyme disease, so you can notice it early in your pet. These include stiffness, achiness or swelling in one or more joints, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, or a stiff walk with arched back. Consult your veterinarian immediately should you suspect your dog has been infected.

The Ancient Greek historian and writer Flavius Arrianus, recommended massage for all the horses and dogs under his care. He maintained that it would “knit and strengthen the limbs…make the hair soft and glossy, and…cleanse the impurities of the skin.”

Several centuries later, canine massage has gained momentum as an adjunct therapy to mainstream veterinary care. While many people conjure up images of expensive linens, lavender scented candles, and mystical music, massage on your own dogs can be done anywhere and anytime.

There are many reasons that a dog could benefit from massage. Many dogs who compete in performance events receive regular massages for muscle maintenance. The massage helps to warm up muscles for competition and to cool them down in post-event bodywork. Geriatric dogs benefit immensely from regular massage. Compensation in muscles comes from lack of strength in joints, whether due to arthritis or prior injuries. Dogs that have had recent surgeries, injuries, or chronic muscle issues can benefit from massage as well.

Massage can be performed in any environment in which the dog is comfortable. While many practitioners prefer to have the dog on a table, massage can be performed with your dog on the couch, on your bed, on the floor, or on any soft surface. Start by getting your dog used to you touching him/her. Always start with light touch and work your way into deeper pressure as your dog tolerates. Begin your work behind your dog’s head, at the beginning of the spine. The only absolute rule in canine massage is to NOT work over a boney prominence. This means to never push/massage across a bone…especially the spine. Work your hands down your dog’s neck. A dog’s neck houses muscles that are connected to the forelimbs. Dogs that are not using their rear end due to arthritis, surgery, etc., typically are using their front end more than a healthy dog.

Dogs carry 60 to 70 percent of their weight on their front limbs. Dogs that are compensating for rear end issues may carry up to 85 percent of their weight on their front end. This creates muscle spasms and shortened muscles in the front end. Then move down the dog’s chest, down the front limbs, making sure to touch all the toes and tendons down the forelimbs. Then move down the dog’s back, checking where there may be tight spots. The rear end and rear limbs are heavily muscled, so work into the muscles of the hind end and limbs. Use small circles all over the body while being thoughtful and intuitive of your dog’s reactions. Once you have become knowledgeable of your dog’s muscles, you will be able to recognize areas that may be palpably tight or different, prior to that area being clinically symptomatic, thus giving you more insight to your dog’s health.

All the information that you gather while working on your dog will give you valuable clues to his/her health. Getting to know your dog’s body will benefit both you and your dog’s health care team over your dog’s life. It will also create a trust and bonding with your dog that will benefit BOTH of you.

Heather Mishefske, owner, emBARK

Certified Canine Massage Practitioner

Member International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork; www.embarkdog.com, 715-864-3263